Bathware product mounting assembly and system

ABSTRACT

A bathware mount and mounting system are provided. The system is easy to install and saves time during installation. The system provides a stable mount with low profile for a plurality of bathware products, or for bath hardware. In an implementation, the system includes first and second mount components configured for mating assembly with one another such that a lip of one component interlocks with a groove of the other component, for example in a friction fit or snap-lock. In an implementation, a plurality of bathware products fitted with a first mount component can interchangeably engage with a second mount component engaging with a wall or other surface. In an implementation, the first and second mount components are identical to each other, and are in mating configuration for interlocking with one another when the first mount component is in an inverted mirror image orientation compared to the second mount component.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/437,351 filed Dec. 21, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to mounting assemblies and systems, including but not limited to mounting assemblies and systems for bathware products, such as bathroom hardware or bathroom accessories.

BACKGROUND

Bathware products, including bathroom hardware and bathroom accessories, are used to provide stylistic, aesthetic and functional features, improvements and enhancements to a bathroom. For example, bathware products can include a towel bar, towel ring, robe hook, and a paper holder, such as a toilet paper holder.

Bathware products are typically mounted to a wall using an anchoring system or mounting system that includes a set screw. The set screw is needed to hold the bathware onto the anchoring system.

Known anchoring systems also typically have multiple parts that are made of different materials, some of which have a tendency to break.

Improvements in bathware mounting systems are desirable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bathware product mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a bathware product mount according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a bathware product mount according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bathware product mounting assembly in a mating configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates a duplicative exploded view of a bathware product mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a bathware product mounted using a bathware product mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates a right side view in partial cross-section of a bathware product mounted using a bathware product mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view in partial cross-section of a bathware product mounted using a bathware product mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates an end view of a bathware product mounted using a bathware product mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A bathware mount and mounting assembly or system are provided. The system is easy to install and saves time during installation. The system provides a stable mount with low profile for a plurality of bathware products, or for bath hardware. In an implementation, the system includes first and second mount components configured for mating assembly with one another such that a lip of one component interlocks with a groove of the other component, for example in a friction fit or snap-lock. In an implementation, a plurality of bathware products fitted with a first mount component can interchangeably engage with a second mount component engaging with a wall or other surface. In an implementation, the first and second mount components are identical to each other, and are in mating configuration for interlocking with one another when the first mount component is in an inverted mirror image orientation compared to the second mount component.

In the present disclosure, “bathware products”, “bathroom hardware”, “bath hardware” and “bathroom accessories” are used interchangeably, and can include: a towel bar, such as a bath towel bar or a hand towel bar, or other sized towel bar; a towel ring; a towel shelf; a robe hook, such as a single robe hook or a double robe hook; a paper holder, such as a toilet paper holder or paper towel holder, each of which can be mounted horizontally or vertically or in another orientation; a glass shelf with attachment brackets or an attachment frame; a lever, such as a handle, or other door ware; a soap dish; a tissue dispenser; a retractable clothesline; a handle or bracket, such as a grab bar or safety rail; or a shower rod flange.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the embodiments described herein. The embodiments may be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments described.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bathware product mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly comprises a first mount component 100 and a second mount component 150. The second mount component 150 is configured for mating assembly with the first mount component 100, such as in a mounting configuration.

The first mount component 100 has a first edge, or a first end, 110. The second mount component 150 has a second edge, or a second end, 160. The first mount component comprises a lip 112 at the first edge 110, and the second mount component 150 defines a groove 162 at the second edge 160. When the first and second mount components are in a mating configuration with each other (as shown in FIG. 4), the lip 112 of the first mount component 100 interlocks with the groove 162 of the second mount component 150. In an embodiment, the groove 162 can be a pocket, notch, ledge, or any other means configured to receive or engage with the lip 112. This also applies to other grooves described herein.

In an embodiment, the lip 112 of first mount component interlocks by a friction fit with a complementary lip engager formed in the groove of the second mount component. In another implementation, such as shown in FIG. 1, the lip 112 of first mount component 100 interlocks by a snap fit with a complementary lip receiver 164 formed in the groove 162 of the second mount component 150. In an example embodiment, the lip 112 comprises a profiled protrusion and the complementary lip receiver 164 comprises a complementary profiled indent shaped and constructed to interlock with the lip 112, such as by a snap fit or snap lock. Only one lip and groove combination is needed to securely interlock the first and second mount components. In an example embodiment, more than one lip and groove combination is provided, but only one lip and groove combination comprises means for a snap fit, such as a profiled protrusion and complementary profiled indent. In another example embodiment, more than one lip and groove combination is provided, and all lip and groove combinations comprise means for a snap fit, such as a profiled protrusion and complementary profiled indent.

In an embodiment, the first and second mount components each comprise complementary elements that together form a locking mechanism, to provide the interlocking when the first and second mount components are in a mating configuration. In an example embodiment, the locking mechanism provides a click function, or a clip function, such that when one mount component is mounted to a wall or other surface, the other mount component clicks in place when the two mount components are in the mating configuration.

In an embodiment, the lip 112 of first mount component 110 is configured to interlock with the groove 162 of the second mount component 150 in response to a force in a downward direction, such as a tap from a rubber mallet in a downward direction. This allows for easy installation to create the snap fit condition. In an embodiment, the lip 112 of first mount component 110 is configured to disengage from the interlock with the groove 162 of the second mount component 150 in response to a force in an upward direction, such as a tap from a rubber mallet in an upward direction. This allows for easy removal to disengage the snap fit condition, either for removal or reinstallation of the same bathware product or another bathware product, without damaging the bathware product and thus enabling reuse.

In an example embodiment, the first mount component 110 comprises the first edge 110 and a third opposing edge 120, wherein the lip 112 is provided at the first edge 110 and a groove 122 is defined at the third edge 120, the third edge being opposite the first edge. In such an embodiment, the second mount component 150 comprises the second edge 160 and a fourth opposing edge 170, wherein the groove 162 is defined at the second edge 160 and another lip 172 is provided at the fourth edge 170 the fourth edge being opposite the second edge. In such an example embodiment, when the first and second mount components are in the mating configuration with each other, the lip 112 of the first mount component 100 interlocks with the groove 162 of the second mount component 150, and the groove 122 of the first mount component 110 interlocks with the lip 172 of the second mount component 150.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a bathware product mount according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bathware product mount shown in FIG. 2 is illustrated with reference numerals corresponding to the first bathware mount 110, though it can also represent the second bathware mount 150 from FIG. 1, in an inverted mirror image orientation.

In an example embodiment, the first and second mount components described in relation to FIG. 1 are identical to each other, and are in mating configuration interlocking with one another when the first mount component is in an inverted mirror image orientation compared to the second mount component. The example embodiment in which the first and second mount components are identical provides a single part solution, where the same part is used for both components in the bathware product mounting assembly. The bathware product mount described earlier as the first mount component 100 is an example embodiment of this single part.

In an example embodiment, the bathware product mount shown in FIG. 2 comprises an extruded profile that is self-mating and can snap fit, for example to another identical bathware product mount. In an example embodiment, the bathware product mount comprises an aluminum extruded profile. In another embodiment, the bathware product mount comprises an extruded profile formed of another resilient and strong material.

The bathware product mount of FIG. 2, which is equivalent to the first mount component 110, has a mating side 130 and a surface contact side 140. The mating side 130 is the side that mates with the second mount component 150 in the mating configuration. The surface contact side 140 is the side that makes contact with a surface. The surface can either be a wall, for example drywall, if the mounting component is mounted to such a surface, or the surface can be a surface of the bathware product to be mounted.

In an example embodiment, the lip 112 of the first mount component 110 comprises a profiled protrusion 112 provided on the mating side 130 at the first edge 110. In an example embodiment, the second mount component 150 has a mating side, for mating with the mating side of the first mount component in the mounting configuration, and a surface contact side, and the groove of the second mount component comprises a profiled indent provided on the mating side at the second edge.

As shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 2, the first mount component 110 can further comprise first and second mounting stabilizers 142. In an example embodiment, the mounting stabilizers 142 are provided in a parallel and spaced apart configuration on the surface contact side 140 of the first mount component 110. In an example embodiment, the mounting stabilizers 142 comprise protruding ridges. The mounting stabilizers 142 provide mounting stability on smooth or rough surfaces. For example, when mounted on drywall, the mounting stabilizers 142 will “bite” into the drywall to prevent turning (on the wall side); when mounted on a bathware product, the mounting stabilizers 142 register against the bathware product, for example registering inside a mounting node, to prevent turning. In an example embodiment, the first and second mounting stabilizers 142 extend substantially across an entire width of the mount component. In an example embodiment, a first mounting stabilizer 142 is offset with respect to the lip 112, such as vertically offset therefrom.

In an example embodiment, the second mount component can further comprise third and fourth protruding ridges, for example in a parallel and spaced apart configuration on the surface contact side of the second mount component. In an example embodiment, the third and fourth protruding ridges extend substantially across an entire width of the second mount component.

Referring back to FIG. 2, in an example embodiment the surface contact side 140 of the first mount component 100 defines a first aperture 144. In an example embodiment, the surface contact side of the second mount component defines a second aperture. In the mounting configuration, the mating sides of the first and second mount components cooperate to form an assembly enclosure defining a cavity to receive fastening hardware mounted in, or through, the first and second apertures. For example, the fastening hardware can be a screw or other fastener. The mated first and second mount components of the bathware product assembly create an enclosure, or “box” section, that provides rigidity and a structurally solid connection between the first and second mount components.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a bathware product mount according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. If a vertical line were to be drawn down the middle of the mount shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the mounting side of the bathware product mount, or mounting component, is on the left half of the figure, and the surface contact side is on the right half of the figure. The various elements as described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2 are illustrated in FIG. 3.

In an example embodiment, the lip 112 of the first mount component 100 in FIG. 3 is configured to interlock with a second mount component as described in relation to FIG. 1, by a snap fit with a complementary lip receiver formed in the groove of the second mount component. In an example embodiment, a lip of the second mount component (not shown) comprises a profiled protrusion, and the complementary lip receiver 124 of the first mount component comprises a complementary profiled indent shaped and constructed to interlock with the lip, such as by a snap fit or snap lock.

FIG. 4 illustrates a bathware product mounting assembly in a mating configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. When the first and second mount components are in a mating configuration with each other, as shown in FIG. 4, the lip 112 of the first mount component 100 interlocks with the groove 162 of the second mount component 150. In an example embodiment, the lip 112 comprises a profiled protrusion and the groove 162 comprises a complementary lip receiver including a complementary profiled indent 164 shaped and constructed to interlock with the profiled protrusion of the lip 112 to form a snap lock, or snap fit.

Also as shown in FIG. 4, the mating sides of the first and second mount components cooperate to form an assembly enclosure defining a cavity 102 to receive fastening hardware, or mounting hardware, mounted in or via the first and second apertures. For example, the fastening hardware or mounting hardware can be a screw or other fastener. The mated first and second mount components of the bathware product assembly create an enclosure, or “box” section, that provides rigidity and a structurally solid connection between the first and second mount components.

FIG. 5 illustrates a duplicative exploded view of a bathware product mounting assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The term duplicative exploded view refers to the duplicative representation of the first and second mount components: in a first instance near the middle of the figure in a near-mated configuration; in a second instance at the bottom or left of the figure in a mating configuration within a low profile bath hardware product; and in a third instance at the top or right of the figure showing one of the mount components configured in an orientation for mounting to a surface such as a wall.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a bathware product mounted using a bathware product mounting assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a right side view and a top view, each in partial cross-section, of a bathware product mounted using a bathware product mounting assembly according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates an end view. FIGS. 6-9 illustrate how the bathware product mounting assembly, or system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a stable mount with low profile and supports shallow backplate sizes.

In an example embodiment, the present disclosure provides a bathware product mount comprising: a lip at a first end; and a groove at a second end, the second end being opposite the first end. The bathware product mount is shaped and constructed to serve as a first mount component in a first orientation and configured to serve as a second mount component in a second orientation. The second orientation is an inverted mirror image of the first orientation. The lip of the first mount component in the first orientation interlocks with the groove in the second mount component in the second orientation.

In another example embodiment, the present disclosure provides a bathware product mount comprising: a lip provided at a first end; and a groove defined at a second opposing end. The bathware product mount is self-mating and mountable against a wall in a first orientation and is mountable against a bathware product in a second orientation. The second orientation being an inverted orientation compared to the first orientation. The self-mating occurs when the lip of the bathware mount in the first orientation interlocks with the groove in a second identical bathware product mount in the second orientation.

In a further example embodiment, not limited to bathware, the present disclosure provides a mounting device for mounting an accessory to a surface, the mounting device comprising: a lip at a first end; and a groove at a second end, the second end being opposite the first end. The mounting device is shaped and constructed to serve as a first mount component in a first orientation and configured to serve as a second mount component in a second orientation, the second orientation being an inverted mirror image of the first orientation. The lip of the first mount component in the first orientation interlocks with the groove in the second mount component in the second orientation. In an example embodiment, the accessory comprises a bathware accessory and the surface comprises drywall.

In another example embodiment, the present disclosure provides a bathware product mounting assembly comprising: a first mount component having a first end comprising an engaging member; and a second mount component configured for mating assembly with the first mount component. The second mount component has a second end comprising a receiving member. The receiving member is complementary to and for interlocking with the engaging member when the first and second mount components are in a mating configuration with each other. In a further example embodiment, the first mount component comprises a supplementary receiving member at a third end opposite the first end; and the second mount component comprises a supplementary engaging member at a fourth end opposite the third end. The supplementary receiving member is complementary to and for interlocking with the supplementary engaging member when the first and second mount components are in a mating configuration with each other.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a quick and easy-to-install bathware product mounting assembly or system, which saves time during installation and provides a stable mount and low profile for multiple bath hardware products. In an example embodiment, the bathware product mount comprises an extruded profile that is self-mating and can snap fit. The unique self-mating extrusion profile, with stabilizing and locking ridge, ensures stability of installation on smooth or rough surfaces. The mated assembly creates a “box” section for a structurally rigid installation. The internal cavity defined by the mating assembly allows room for fastening hardware. In an example embodiment, indented and profiled flanges allow for snap-fit installation as well as dismantling.

Advantageously, in an implementation, a plurality of bathware products fitted with a first mount component can interchangeably engage with a second mount component engaging with a wall or other surface. This permits the same bathware product assembly to be provided for an entire line of bathware products, which enhances usability and decreases cost by having a uniform mounting assembly for the entire bathware product line.

Also advantageously, in an implementation, the first and second mount components are identical to each other, and are in mating configuration for interlocking with one another when the first mount component is in an inverted mirror image orientation compared to the second mount component. This permits the same bathware product mount to be provided for both the first and second mounts in the assembly, again reducing cost of production and increasing the ease of use and installation. Further, since each bathware product mount component is identical, one or more extra bathware product mounts can be provided to a purchaser, or kept on hand by an installer, as spare parts should any bathware product mount component become lost or damaged.

In the embodiment in which the first and second mount components are identical to each other, this provides a single part solution, where the same part is used for both components in the bathware product mounting assembly. This single part solution is easy to install, saves time during installation by minimizing the amount of installation steps, and eliminates the use of a locking set screw. Embodiments of the present disclosure also support shallow backplate sizes, increasing the ability to include the embodiments in a variety of different bathware designs.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be of interest to bath hardware installers who quote projects based on number of units, because they will be able to increase the number of units they can install in a given time. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be of interest to contractors since the secure aspect of the embodiments will limit call backs for repairs. Embodiments of the present disclosure will be of interest to designers because it eliminates the set screw, which is not aesthetically pleasing. Embodiments of the present disclosure will also be of interest to consumers since the embodiments are easy to install and aesthetically pleasing.

In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not required.

The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bathware product mounting assembly comprising: a first mount component having a first edge; and a second mount component configured for mating assembly with the first mount component, the second mount component having a second edge, the first mount component comprising a lip at the first edge and the second mount component defining a groove at the second edge, wherein, when the first and second mount components are in a mating configuration with each other, the lip of the first mount component interlocks with the groove of the second mount component.
 2. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the lip of first mount component interlocks by a friction fit with a complementary lip engager formed in the groove of the second mount component.
 3. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the lip of first mount component interlocks by a snap fit with a complementary lip receiver formed in the groove of the second mount component.
 4. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the lip of first mount component is configured to interlock with the groove of the second mount component in response to a force in a downward direction.
 5. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein the lip of first mount component is configured to disengage from the interlock with the groove of the second mount component in response to a force in an upward direction.
 6. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein, the first mount component comprises the lip at the first edge and defines a groove at a third opposing edge; and the second mount component defines the groove at the second edge and comprises a lip at a fourth opposing edge.
 7. The bathware product mounting system of claim 6 wherein, when the first and second mount components are in the mating configuration with each other, the lip of the first mount component interlocks with the groove of the second mount component, and the groove of the first mount component interlocks with the lip of the second mount component.
 8. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein, the first mount component has a mating side and a surface contact side, and the lip of the first mount component comprises a profiled protrusion provided on the mating side at the first edge, and wherein the second mount component has a mating side, for mating with the mating side of the first mount component in the mounting configuration, and a surface contact side, and the groove of the second mount component comprises a profiled indent provided on the mating side at the second edge.
 9. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein, the first mount component further comprises first and second mounting stabilizers provided in a parallel and spaced apart configuration on the surface contact side of the first mount component.
 10. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 9 wherein the first and second mounting stabilizers extend substantially across an entire width of the first mount component.
 11. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein, the second mount component further comprises third and fourth mounting stabilizers in a parallel and spaced apart configuration on the surface contact side of the second mount component.
 12. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 11 wherein the third and fourth mounting stabilizers extend substantially across an entire width of the second mount component.
 13. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 8 wherein, the surface contact side of the first mount component defines a first aperture and wherein the surface contact side of the second mount component defines a second aperture, and wherein, in the mounting configuration, the mating sides of the first and second mount components cooperate to form an assembly enclosure defining a cavity to receive fastening hardware mounted in the first and second apertures.
 14. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 1 wherein, the first and second mount components are identical to each other, and are in mating configuration interlocking with one another when the first mount component is in an inverted mirror image orientation compared to the second mount component.
 15. A bathware product mount comprising: a lip at a first end; and a groove at a second end, the second end being opposite the first end; the bathware product mount being shaped and constructed to serve as a first mount component in a first orientation and configured to serve as a second mount component in a second orientation, the second orientation being an inverted mirror image of the first orientation, the lip of the first mount component in the first orientation interlocking with the groove in the second mount component in the second orientation.
 16. A bathware product mount comprising: a lip provided at a first end; and a groove defined at a second opposing end; the bathware product mount being self-mating and mountable against a wall in a first orientation and being mountable against a bathware product in a second orientation, the self-mating occurring when the lip of the bathware mount in the first orientation interlocks with the groove in a second identical bathware product mount in the second orientation, the second orientation being an inverted orientation compared to the first orientation.
 17. A mounting device for mounting an accessory to a surface, the mounting device comprising: a lip at a first end; and a groove at a second end, the second end being opposite the first end; the mounting device being shaped and constructed to serve as a first mount component in a first orientation and configured to serve as a second mount component in a second orientation, the second orientation being an inverted mirror image of the first orientation, the lip of the first mount component in the first orientation interlocking with the groove in the second mount component in the second orientation.
 18. The mounting device of claim 17 wherein the accessory comprises a bathware accessory and the surface comprises drywall.
 19. A bathware product mounting assembly comprising: a first mount component having a first end comprising an engaging member; and a second mount component configured for mating assembly with the first mount component, the second mount component having a second end comprising a receiving member, the receiving member being complementary to and for interlocking with the engaging member when the first and second mount components are in a mating configuration with each other.
 20. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 19, wherein a plurality of bathware products fitted with the first mount component are interchangeably engageable with the second mount component engaging with a wall or other surface.
 21. The bathware product mounting assembly of claim 19, wherein the first mount component comprises a supplementary receiving member at a third end opposite the first end; and the second mount component comprises a supplementary engaging member at a fourth end opposite the third end, the supplementary receiving member being complementary to and for interlocking with the supplementary engaging member when the first and second mount components are in a mating configuration with each other. 